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How does Instagram work and why should I use it?

Last updated:
8 May 2016

We’ve all heard of Instagram. But even if you’re an avid Insta-uploader, you’re
probably not aware of all the stuff it can do. What started as a nifty iPhone app in
2010 has now evolved into a multi-platform social networking app that’ll bring your
photos and videos to life - the perfect partner for your amazing smartphone camera.

How does Instagram work?

You create an account, in the same way you would on Facebook or Twitter. Then, when you post your photos or videos to Instagram they’ll appear on your profile for all your friends and contacts to see.

Your account will also have a newsfeed, so you can see all the best moments from the people you choose to follow.

What exactly does it do?

Instagram was primarily designed for mobile use, but it now has a web presence too. It’s an instant memory maker. Just snap a photo with your smartphone, and turn it into an image worth keeping by choosing a filter and transforming it into something extra special.

Whether you want to add a sepia, vintage feel with a rough-cut border, or a colour saturated, retro look; even the most amateur of photographers can end up with a picture worth sharing.

According to Instagram: “We're building Instagram to allow you to experience moments in your friends' lives through pictures as they happen. We imagine a world more connected through photos.”

And it’s good to know that all the usual privacy settings are available, so if you don't want a public profile, you can switch that off.

Just how popular is Instagram?

But where does this success lie? Maybe it’s due to the fact that Instagram makes it very easy to do something that you imagine is tricky and reserved for ‘creative’ types. From the minute Instagram launched, it revolutionised the concept of editing photos on an iPhone.

The social side of Instagram.

Whatever you do to your image, once you’ve finished, Instagram’s social media side comes into play. So you can share your activity and socialise. And connectivity is definitely the name of the game. You can link your Instagram account to your Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest profiles; so each time you upload a photo to Instagram, you’ll have the chance to share it somewhere else too.

And don’t forget that you’ll be able to get even more out of Instagram with Three.

Our 4G network will make all these tweaks and features happen at lightning
speed, and because you can use your phone in 18 countries at no extra cost with Feel At Home,
you’ll be able to make the most of your holiday snaps and share them via Instagram without having to worry about the cost.

Why not give it a go? Get snapping and editing, and unleash your inner David Bailey. Even if you don’t consider yourself the creative type, you’ll be amazed with the results you can get with just a couple of taps.